Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
IN a month, three vehicles have been stolen in the vicinity of a business centre in Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb where several chill spots are located. This rise in vehicle theft cases has raised concerns in the area.
Several leisure joints are located at the business centre. One common denominator in vehicle theft cases is that all cars were grabbed while the owners were enjoying drinks at the leisure joints.
Last month, a white Ford double cab vehicle was stolen, driven by the thieves to Gwanda where it was subsequently recovered.
The suspects were later nabbed after a shootout with police detectives who were hunting them down for a series of armed robberies.
Last week, two Honda Fit vehicles were grabbed on two different days at the same spot.
“Police are investigating two cases of theft of motor vehicles, which were stolen while parked at Chigumira shops in Luveve, Bulawayo, on two different days but at the same parking area,” said Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
She said the first vehicle owner was with his uncle, drinking alcohol in the suburb, when the thieves struck.
On December 19, 2024 at around 10pm, the complainant, a male adult aged 25, of Nketa 7 in Bulawayo parked and locked all the doors of his motor vehicle; a navy blue Honda Fit, at Chigumira shops.
“The complainant, who was in the company of his uncle, went inside the bar for some drinks. In the early hours of the following day, the two came out of the bar and found that their vehicle had been stolen,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
The complainant filed a report at Luveve Police Station, and officers attended the scene.
Inside the stolen vehicle was a tool box used by electricians, a ladder, a spare wheel, a jack, a wheel spanner and a Samsung cellphone.
The stolen vehicle was later found parked near Fusi Primary School in Magwegwe North suburb. The battery was missing.
“On Christmas Eve, the complainant, a male adult aged 28, of New Magwegwe suburb parked his motor vehicle, a white Honda Fit Registration number AEL 5219 at Chigumira shops.
“The complainant who was in company of his two friends locked all the doors and they all went into the bar for some beer drinks. The complainant and his friends came out of the bar at around 22:45 hours and discovered that the vehicle had been stolen.
“The complainant was still in possession of his car keys. The total value stolen is US$3 400 and nothing was recovered,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She urged members of the public, particularly those frequenting the local bars and leisure spots, to make it a habit to regularly check on their vehicles in the parking areas.
